Flushing apparatus



Oct. 4, 1932. w. TAYLOR 1,880,295

FLUSHING APPARATUS Filed March 20, 1929 4 SheetsSheet l V l m @ia/#M 1\ un? mzzmw BY Mmm /W ATTORNEY; K

Oct. 4,` 1932. w TAYLOR 1,880,296A

FLUsHING APPARATUS Filed March 20, 1929 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR ATTORNEYS 0st. 4 1932. w. TAYLOR FLUSHING APPARATUS Filed March 20, 1929 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR M42/7m Way ar l 1 T i Pfl BY j

Oct. 4, 1932. w. TAYLQR A l880,296

FLUSHING APPARATUS Filed March 20, 1929 f 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 ATTORNEYS Patented Oct. 4, 1932 WILLIAIII TAYLOR, OF ROBINSON,ILI1INOIS, .ASASIGNOR TO JAMES LVI. TEAHAN, OF DETROIT, MICHIGAN FLUSI-IING APPARATUS Application filed March 20, 192.9. Serial No. 348,642.

The invention relates to flushing apparal tus for water closets and has as its obj ect the curing of a number of defects common vto constructions heretofore used. One very valve to reseat through various causes, and with the consequence that the water admitted through the ball cock continues to run and discharge through the bowl without refilling the tank. Another defect is the failure of the ball cock to completely close so that the water continues to run and discharge through the'overflow into the bowl and through the trap. Still another defect is in that type of closet where the ywater from the ball cock is used in part for refilling the tank while another part is conducted directly to a rim flush. l/Vith such construction it has been found difficult to positively control the distribution of water between the rim flush and the tank so that there is danger on one hand of continuing the flow through the rim longer than necessary and therefore wasting water, or on the other hand in sending the greater part of the water to the tank and robbing the rim flush.

To overcome these various defects I have devised a novel construction of flushing vapparatus comprising a tank, a ball cock, a e3 flush valve, an independent rim flush, and

means for positively controlling the distribution of water from the ball cock between the rim flush and the tank. The invention consists in the various features of construc- 35 tion as hereinafter set forth. Y

lVhile my improvements in their broader features are applicable to various constructions of flushing apparatus, they are particularly usefulin connection with that type of water closet in which the tank and bowl are integral and where the water discharged from the tank into the bowl is increased in velocity by syphonic action. l shall therefore specifically describe this construction and illustrate the same in the drawings in which Figure l is a perspective view showing vmy improved apparatus;

Figure 2 is a plan view thereof Figure 3 is a side elevation;

common defect is the failure of the flushing j with the closet bowl, not shown but of which Figure 4 is a vertical section on line 4 4 of Figure Y i' Figure 5 is a vertical section on line 5-5' of Figure 2";

Figures 6 and 7 are enlarged sections showing portions of Figure 5 with the parts in 55 dierent positions of adjustment; Y Y

Figure 8 is a vertical section on line'8-8 of Figure 2;

Figures 9 and 10 are horizontal sections on line 9-9 of Figure 8 showing the parts in different positions of adjustment, and Y Figure 1l is a perspective view of the shift valve. Y `As shown, A is the tank formed integral B represents a fragment, C is the seat for the liush valve arranged in the bottom of the tank and D is the water inlet conduit also entered through the bottom of the tank; Connected to the conduit D is a fitting E containing a valve (not shown) for variably restricting the water supply according to the pressure on the main, and a lever E" at the top for adjusting said valve. The fitting E is preferably provided with a laterally eX- tending discharge arm E? terminating ina vertical riser E3 extending upward to near the top of the tank. F is a casing connected to the upper end of the riser E3 and contain- 80' i ing the ball cock and shifter valve as hereinafter described.

Ball c0070 One of the chief difficulties interfering with the successful operation of a ball cock under the varying conditions of service is due to the fact that the valve is opened and closed by a float arm which `is dependent for its operation on the fall or rise of water in the tank. Thus when the water in the tank approaches its high level the valve lis so near its seat as to greatly restrict the flow of water into the tank. On the other hand, the valve cannot reach its final seating position until water is admitted to the tank to the predetermined level. Therefore, there is a'lack of positive action with the further objection that during the final closing there` is frequently a hissing-noise due to the sucking in of air. This latter effect is intensied where, as in the specilic construction illustrated, the discharge from the ball cock is provided with an air vent to avoid possibility of syphoning water from the tank into the line when the water pressure is shut olf for any reason,

To overcome the abovev described defects, Iy have devised a construction of vball cock which will automatically effect a quick nal closing of the valve, and the holding of the valve positively to its seat by a pressure in excess of any water pressure in the line, the construction being as follows: G is the seat for the ball cock preferably formed on an elbow fitting G at the upper end of the riser E3 and integral with a screw threaded head G2 engaging the casing F. This casing F has a cylindrical portion, one end of which is closed by the head G2 while the opposite end is closed by a screw threaded cap `H having an inwardly extending bearing H for the stem I of the disk valve head I. The peripheryof the disk I is threaded to receive an annular flanged member I2 for securing to said head a standard valve disk I3, the arrangement being such that the inward movement of the stem I will press the disk I3 Y against the seat G. Surrounding the seat G is an annular recess G3 which in turn is surrounded by an annular wall G4 of an internal diameter approximately fitting the external diameter of the member I. The construction is such that before the disk I3 reaches the seat G the `member I2 will enter the annular space G3 in such close proximity to the wall G4 as to greatly restrict the passage of water. Consequently the pressure of water within the annular passage G3 will risey and by acting upon Athe area of the disk I3 outside of the seat G will greatly increase resistance to further closing of the valve. The valve is closed by the operation of a float or ball Jl having an arm J connected to a rocker J2 pivotally connected tothe casing F and having a rock 1 arm J 3 engaging a slotted bearing in the stem I. Thus therise of the float J will gradually move the stem I and members I', I2 and I3 inward until the restriction of discharge from the passage I3, whereupon the increased pressure acting upon the'disk I3 will temporarily hold the `float from further rise. In other words,` the water in the tank willy continue l to rise with a greater depression of the oat 3"? fairly free discharge of'waterj from the ball cock into the tank up to the point of arrest of the float and then to quickly complete the closing and to hold the valve closed under pressure of the float. This avoids on the one hand any sucking in of air with the final discharge of waterV and on the other hand an incomplete closing of the valve. The valve stem I has a loose fit Within the bearing H', but is provided with a series of annular grooves which form a water packing restrictingescape of water around the stem. This avoids danger of the stem sticking in the bearing, thus rendering the valve inoperative.

Shift valve As has beenv stated the water admitted through the ball cock is used for two distinct purposes, irst, for a supply for the rim flush which is independent of the water in the tankand second7 the reiilling of the tank. To accomplish the proper distribution of the water to .these two points I arrange within the casing F a shift valve K controlling two separate discharge passages L and M. The passage L connects with the bottom of the casing F f and extends downward to form what is coin- F and is further provided with an inwardly Y projecting portion M3 having an opening in the side thereof. The valve K is attached to a rock shaft K passing through the wall of the casing F and at a point above the inwardly projecting portion l 3. Thus in one position of thevalve yK it will seat against the member M3 so as to close the opening in the side thereof while in anotherA position it will be moved away from this opening but will Vclose the passage L by an angling flange K2. This lange I 2 is at such an angle to the valve K that during the swinging movement of the latter it will approach a seat L2, while the pressure of the water within the chamber F will tend to force it towards this seat. Thus .there is a tendency for the valve K when shifted to its alternative seats to remain in such position, requiring exertion of a slight force to again shift it. The hydrostatic force tending to shift'the valve K against its seat M3 is greatly in excess of the hydrostatic force exerted on the flange K2 for moving the valve toward the seat L2. Therefore, to prevent the slap that might occur in the contacting of the valve with the seat M3, I preferably arrange a battle K4 on the side of the: valve K and which enters the aperture in the seat member M3 before the valve seats thereon. This by checking the flow of water through the passage M will lessen the hydrostatic pressure against the valve and will avoid the sla-p.

i Flash @aloe The flush valve N which normally rests on the seat C at the bottom of the tank is of the usual float valve type. It is lifted from its seatby the pull of a stem N which is actu ated by a lever mechanism. Instead, however, of guiding the valve by a bearing in frictional engagement with the stem N, I arrange external guides C rising from the seat C which, without placing any frictional resistance to the movement of the float, insure its dropping upon the seat C. There are preferably three of the guides C which are so positioned as to be normally out of contact with the periphery of the float valve but which as before stated, will guide it to its seat. The operating mechanism for lifting the valve comprises a rock shaft O preferably passing through a bearing O in the side wall of the tank and having on its outer end the actua-ting finger piece or lever arm O2 and on its inner end a rock arm O3. The rock arm O3 extends obliquely into a position for direct engagement with a. loop N2 at the upper end of the stem N so thaty the depression of the lever O2 will through the arm O3 lift the stem N and separate the iiush valve N from its seat. The slot in the loop N2 is of suliicient length to permit a free rise of the valve Na sufficient distance above its seat to be out of the suction influence of the discharging water until most of the water from the tank has been discharged. The valve will then be lowered into proximity to the seat and will be drawn downward thereto by suction, which effect is greatly intensified by the syphonic action on the water discharging from the tank. The seating of the value will through the stem N pull downward the lever arm O3 and restore the actuating arm O2 to its normal position. This construction has the advantage that there is no possibility of the valve being held away from its `seat by any frictional resistance as is frequently the case where the valve stem is guided and sticks in the guide. Furthermore, the valve N being of spherical form its seating is not effected by slight changes in angle of the stem N so that the latter may move into any position permitted by its loose connection with the lever arm O3. However, to prevent accidental disengagement of the lever arm from the stem N the end of said arm is provided with spaced stops O2 on opposite sides of the loop N2 and which can be only engaged or disengaged from said loop when the latter is turned to an abnormal angle.

Another important advantage of this construction is that the flush valve can be actuated positively by the manual operating means in a direction towards its seat, as well as away therefrom. Thus, if through any cause, the valve should fail toseat by lifting up the lever O2, the stem N will be positively moved downward, therebymoving the valve towards its seat. This avoids a common defect in iushing tanks where it is impossible to seat` the flushing valve by means 4operable from outside the tank. f

Shift val/ve actuating mechanism One of the primary objects of my improvement is to positively determine the distribution of the water from the ball cock between the rim flush and the re-lling of theV by an exceedingly simple construction comprising a rock arm P projecting inwardly from the rock shaft 0 and engaging a slotted rock armk P on the rock shaft K. Thus whenever the actuating lever-O2 is manually depressed it not only lifts the flush valve N but also moves the shift valve. K into a position where the flange K2 engages the seat L2, cutting off the discharge of water through the passage L and hush tube L and permitting all of the water from the ball cock to flow through the passage M to the rim flush. Hydrostatic pressure within the chamber F will hold the shift valve in this positioiiduring all the interval in which the water is discharged from the tank, but when the flush valve N is returned to its seat C by the suction of the final discharging water the loop N2 will pull downward on the lever O3 rocking the shaft O, rock arm P and through the rock arm P rocking the shaft K and valve K in the opposite direction. This will shift the valve from its seat L2 to its seat M3 which cuts off communication with the passage M and opens communication with the passage L. This permits all of the water discharged by the ball cock with the exception of a small leakage provided as a refill for the bowl, to be used for refilling the tank until the water in said tank rises to its proper level. This refill may beformed by a notch in the valve or its seat as indicated at M4.

The connection between the fitting M and the passage through the tank to the rimflush is formed by a simple construction comprising a'sleeve Q internally threaded to enga-ge external threads Q upon the fitting M. The sleeve Q has engaged therewith a conical gasket Q2 so that by screwing the sleeve outward on the threads Q this gasket Q2 will be forced into the seat R on the tank which surrounds the rim flush passage R. lVings Q3 on the sleeve Q facilitate adjustment of the same toward or from its seat.

The construction vas above described is not only positive in the'performance of the vari- `ons functions incident to its operation, but is Valso one which is simple, which is relatively low in weight' of material used and which ma" be easily manufactured and assembled. hat I claim as my invention is s Y l. The combination With a flushing tank, of a float actuated ball cock, conduits leading from said ball cock to the tank and to a rim flush, a flushing valveand manual operating means for tripping said valve, of means actuated by said manually operated means for directing Water from said ball cock into the rim flush conduit.

` 2. The combination With a flushing tank, of a float actuated ball'cock, conduits leading from said ball cock to the tank and to a rim flush, a flushing valve and manual operating means for tripping said valve, of means actuated by said manually operated means for directing Water from said ball cock into the rim flush conduit, and means automatically operating upon discharge of Water lfrom the tank for redirecting Water from said ball cock into the tank.

3. The combination With a flushing tank, of afloat actuated ball cock, a flushing valve and manual operating means for tripping said valve, of means actuated by said manual means for directing Water from said ball cock to a rim flush during the period when said Hush valve is unseated, and means operated by the reseating of said flush valve for directing Water from said ball cock into the tank to refill the same. s

4. The combination vvitli a flushing tank,l of a float actuated ball cock, a flushing valve, manual operating means for tripping said valve, branch conduits leading from said ball cock respectively to a rim flush and into the tank, and a valve for valternatively closing said branch conduits, actuated by said manual operating means.

5. The combination With a flushing tank,

of a float actuated ball cock, a flushing valve, manual opera-ting means for tripping said valve, a conduit leading from said ball cock to a rim flush, a branch conduit leading from said ball cock to thetank, a valve for alternatively closing said connectionsrfrom the ball cock and means operated by said manual Operating means for shifting said valve. f 6. rlhe combination With a flushing tank, a flushing valve and manual operating means for tripping said valve, of a ball cock comprising a casing, a Water inlet passage thereto, branch Water outlet passages, a float controlled valve for closing said inlet passage, a valve for alternatively closing said outlet passages and a connection between said manual operating means and the latter valve.

7. The combination With a flushing tank, a flushing valve and manual operating means for tripping said valve including a rock shaft, of a. ball cock comprisinga casing having a Water inlet and branch Water outlet passages,

a float controlled valve for closing and opening saidwater inlet passage, a valve 'for alternatively closing said branch outlet passages and a connection between, said rock shaft and the latter valve.

8. The combination with a flushing tank', of a ball cock comprising a casing, a Water inlet connection to said casing, a valve Within said easing' for closing said water inlet, a

float outside said casing forming operating means for said valve, branch outlet conduits for said casing and a second valve for alternatively closing said branch outlet conduits. 9. The combination 'v'vith a fiushingtank, a 'Water inlet conduit therefor and a -iiush valve controlling `the discharge from 'said tank, of a chambered fitting connected to said Water inlet conduit having separate discharge connections for a rim flush and for refilling the tank, a shift valve Within said chamber for alternatively closing said discharge connections, a rock shaft for operatingsaid shift valve having anactuating' rock arm external to said fitting, a ball vcock controlling the Water inlet to said'chamber, and manually operable means for lifting Vsaid Hush valve also connected to said rock arm to actuate said shift valve whereby said rim flush passage will be opened and the tank filling passage closed upon the lifting of said flush valve and the rim fiush closed and the tank filling passage opened upon the reseating of said valve. i A

10. The combination with a flushing tank, of a float actuated ball cock, conduits lead- .ing from said ball Icock respectively to said tank and to a rim flush, a shift valve for alternatively closing said conduits adapted to be yieldably held in each of its positions by hydrostatic pressure, a float flush valve, manual operating means connected to said flush valve to unseat the same and to be returned to its normal position by theA seating of said valve, and a connection between said manual operating means and said shift valve whereby the latter may be positively actuated to either of its positions by said manual means and automatically actuated to one of its po= sitions by the seating ofsaid flush valve.

In testimony whereof I aiiiX my signature.

WILLIAM TAYLOR. 

